What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fixed Income Trader & Research Associate (Municipal Bonds) position at Cumberland Advisors?
Job Title: Fixed Income Trader & Research Associate
Location: Sarasota FL
Reports To: VP, Trading
Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview:
We are seeking a Fixed Income Trader & Research Associate to join our investment team within the Cumberland Asset Management segment. This hybrid role blends day-to-day bond trading with high-grade municipal bond research and credit analysis. Candidates should be process-driven, technically skilled, and eager to contribute. The position is based in Sarasota, FL. Availability and extent of a hybrid schedule will depend on experience and length of training.
Required Experience:
Ideal candidates will have 2–5 years experience in fixed income markets with an emphasis on municipal bond research (credit analyst or similar). Candidates without prior fixed income trading experience will be considered for training, but should have a strong desire to learn, a deep interest in the market, strong communication skills, and other demonstrated proficiencies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute trades in short and intermediate high-grade municipal bonds, aligning with portfolio strategy and compliance requirements.
- Conduct fixed income research on investment grade credits, including market and sector trends, issuer surveillance, and trade idea generation.
- Update market-related charts and data monthly and ad-hoc.
- Support and back up senior traders and research analysts across asset classes to ensure continuous trading coverage and operational flexibility.
- Work directly with portfolio managers and traders to develop and implement investment ideas.
- Track market movements, economic indicators, rating changes, and regulatory updates relevant to municipal bonds and broader fixed income markets.
- Enhance and maintain trading and analytical reporting and tools
- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline trading workflows and improve desk-level processes.
- Contribute to the design and maintenance of internal tools and dashboards; Python or similar coding skills are a strong plus.
Qualifications:
- 2–5 years of experience in fixed income research, credit analysis, and/or trading, with a preference for a municipal bond research background.
- Bachelor's Degree (or higher)
- Strong understanding of fixed income products, pricing mechanics, and credit fundamentals.
- Demonstrated proficiency in fixed income research and credit analysis.
- Practical experience solving day-to-day inefficiencies with Python or other coding tools is desirable.
- Highly advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, and macros) required
- Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to continuously improve tools, processes, and data environments.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting.
Technology & Tools:
- Bloomberg
- Trading platforms and ECNs
- Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)
- Python or coding experience is a plus
- Practifi or Salesforce experience preferred.
- Creditscope experience a plus
- Credit Agency Websites & Tools
Why Join Us:
We are a boutique asset management firm with over 50 years experience delivering customized separately managed accounts (SMA). This is an excellent opportunity to grow as both a trader and analyst, gain hands-on experience in an entrepreneurial environment, and make meaningful contributions on a small team.